Dynamo's Ricardo Clark excited for return to hometown of Atlanta

The first time Dynamo midfielder Ricardo Clark played a competitive soccer match, it was with the AFC Lightning youth club in Atlanta.

Clark was 8 years old. His team advanced to the state championship game. The match against one of his team's biggest rivals from Cobb County went to extra time and wasn't decided.

The kids went to penalty kicks, and Clark played a major role in that shootout. At least, he thinks he did.

"I am pretty sure I hit the game-winning PK," Clark said Thursday. "My memory could be clouded a little bit on that."

Forgive Clark for not remembering it like it was yesterday. It happened 26 years ago.

Somebody in Atlanta might be able to remind him of the details Saturday when Clark, 34, returns to his hometown with the Dynamo (6-4-1). They kick off against expansion club Atlanta United FC (3-4-3) at 6 p.m. at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Clark has played professional soccer all over the United States and in Germany. During his time with the U.S. national team, he has played in the World Cup. But Saturday's game will be his professional debut in Atlanta.

"It is special because that's where it all started," Clark said. "It is where people supported me, family, friends, coaches. Everybody was in it to help me be where I am today. It was really cool to see that city get rewarded with a professional team."

Houston Dynamo midfielder Ricardo Clark (13) controls the ball defended by Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Christian Bolanos (7) in the second half during the MLS game between the Houston Dynamo and the Vancouver Whitecaps at BBVA Compass Stadium on Friday, May 12, 2017, in Houston, TX.

Houston Dynamo midfielder Ricardo Clark (13) controls the ball defended by Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Christian Bolanos (7) in the second half during the MLS game between the Houston Dynamo and the

Houston Dynamo midfielder Ricardo Clark (13) controls the ball defended by Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Christian Bolanos (7) in the second half during the MLS game between the Houston Dynamo and the Vancouver Whitecaps at BBVA Compass Stadium on Friday, May 12, 2017, in Houston, TX.

Houston Dynamo midfielder Ricardo Clark (13) controls the ball defended by Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Christian Bolanos (7) in the second half during the MLS game between the Houston Dynamo and the

Atlanta United is so new, its stadium is not finished. In the meantime, it is playing in the home of the Georgia Tech football team - a squad Clark followed growing up because his father got a master's degree from there.

Clark never made it to a Yellow Jackets game there but always watched the team on television.

Clark said he has reserved tickets for 40 people Saturday and has received texts and calls from others who said they are coming.

All of them will watch as Clark captains the Dynamo during an important road game. The Dynamo are 0-4 away from home this season. Their latest loss came Wednesday night in Philadelphia, where they started sloppy and never recovered before falling 2-0.

Clark has visited Atlanta during the offseason most years, but now that his home is Houston, his trips are less frequent. All his visits have been for leisure. Finally, on Saturday, his trip will be for business.

"It is special that I am able to do this," Clark said. "I am going to soak in the moment and be thankful for the opportunity."